Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson began the 2019 season with seventh straight scoreless outings, but after a few rough appearances, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with what the team diagnosed as a left oblique issue.
Ferguson did not retire any of the three hitters he faced out in his last outing on April 27 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the oblique trouble may have been a big reason for that.
Shortly after being placed on the injured list, it was determined that Ferguson avoided a serious injury and a couple days later he already resumed playing catch.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Ferguson took the next step in his recovery by throwing his first bullpen session on Wednesday and now may advance to a simulated game this weekend:
Left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson, placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday, threw a bullpen session on Wednesday, and Roberts said he might throw a simulated game on Saturday in San Diego.
The way things are looking, Ferguson may be able to return from the injured list when he is eligible on May 8 against the Atlanta Braves.
What the Dodgers decide to do with Ferguson when they activate him remains to be seen though. They could determine that he needs to be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after allowing nine hits and five runs while striking out six and walking seven in 6.2 innings across his last six appearances.
The 22-year-old has proven to be a key contributor out of the bullpen since he made his MLB debut last year. Perhaps the time off will give him a good chance to reset and he won’t require any time in the Minor Leagues to get right.
